Rustic Bruschetta Chicken Linguine with Blistered Tomatoes and Balsamic Drizzle
A fresh, rustic Italian-style pasta dish featuring juicy pan-seared chicken, blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and tender linguine tossed together and finished with a sweet tangy balsamic drizzle. It’s light, vibrant, and packed with restaurant-quality flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners or special meals.
Recipe Details
Description
Rustic Bruschetta Chicken Linguine combines classic bruschetta flavors (garlic, tomatoes, basil, olive oil) with tender chicken and silky pasta. Blistered tomatoes add natural sweetness while balsamic glaze brings a rich tangy finish. The result is a comforting yet fresh Mediterranean-style dish.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 boneless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce
300 g linguine pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes
4 garlic cloves (minced)
3 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzle)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot.
Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Time: 8–10 minutes
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Remove and slice.
Time: 10 minutes
Step 3: Blister the Tomatoes
In the same pan, add olive oil and garlic.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook on medium-high heat.
Let them blister and slightly burst (do not over-stir).
Add chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Time: 5–7 minutes
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add cooked linguine to the skillet.
Toss with tomatoes and a splash of reserved pasta water.
Add sliced chicken and fresh basil.
Mix well and cook 2 minutes.
Plate, sprinkle parmesan, and drizzle balsamic glaze.
Time: 5 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or toasted rustic bread
Pair with a fresh green salad
Add extra parmesan or chili flakes for more flavor
Pro Cooking Tips
Don’t overcrowd tomatoes — helps proper blistering
Use fresh basil for best aroma
Reserve pasta water — makes sauce silky
Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture
Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 20 g
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use another pasta instead of linguine?
Yes — spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well.
Q2: What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
You can simmer balsamic vinegar until thick or skip it.
Q3: Can I make it without chicken?
Yes, replace with mushrooms, shrimp, or grilled vegetables.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I make this healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta and reduce parmesan.
Q6: Can I prepare ahead?
Cook chicken and tomatoes ahead; combine with fresh pasta before serving.